If half of what we read hear and is forecast, sequestration will inevitably affect most Airstream life styles. I would urge all members to pay attention to your surrounding areas both National and State, how this may affect your future plans, and any Wally Byam rallies or caravans. Items I have read include the delay of opening both the north and south rim of the Grand Canyon and reducing operating hours of their visitor centers, reducing education programs in many parks, closing half of the visitor centers on the Blue Ridge Parkway, closing one visitor center on Mt. Rainer, and delaying the opening of the Going to The Sun Road in Glacier National Park. Campgrounds will be closed in The Great Smoky National Park, and a visitor center in the Grand Tetons.

The vast majority of WBCCI members who do not renew have belonged to the club only one or two years. Let’s think about why members do not renew and try to make our club more responsive to their needs.

Here are some ideas to try at rallies and caravans that will help units to retain members:

Designate a greeter at each rally – This position can be rotated among the members at each rally. The greetermust get up and go to vehicle to greet when members arrive.

Make a sign with a parker’s phone number displayed so that it is easily seen so that those members coming in late will have someone to contact. It is often our younger working members that have to come in late and nothing makes a person feel more unwelcome than sitting in a dark parking lot and not knowing whom to contact

One unit has a bell that they ring each time a member pulls in to the rally site. That not only makes the new arrival feel special, it alerts everyone that another member has arrived and they can all step up to say hello.

Use the Idea Book which can be found at the WBCCI web site http://wbcci.org/club-information/general-info-and-forms to generate ideas for interesting and fun rallies and caravans. You may not want to use the specific ideas mentioned but those ideas may help you think of other things you’d like to try.

Some ideas from visiting other unit and region rallies and caravans:

“Stone Soup” salad. Have each person bring a salad ingredient that starts with the first letter of the person’s first name. Then put the ingredients together to make a delicious and interesting salad.

Send an email around to the members that let them tell what they are bringing to the main meal. Those that sign up first, of course, get first choice.

Send an email that includes a map of the rally site and allow the members to reserve a site from there. This will help them know where everyone is parking and who is attending.

Plan your rally from Friday to Monday so working members have activities available on Sunday and don’t have to drive long distances for one day’s rally.

Research and publicize optional activities for children if your scheduled rally events don’t target young people.

Specially for New Members:

If there is a tour be sure the new members are asked to ride along with someone. They may choose to drive themselves, but be sure at least one person asks them to ride. It is better to have several ask them than to have no one offer a ride.

Be sure that new members are personally invited to happy hours. It may help to have these in a neutral spot – for example under a tree or on a porch rather than at a rig – as it is less intimidating to join a group that is in a neutral area.

Call new members to see if they’d like to caravan to rallies.

Send new members a digital map or link with directions to the campsite for their first rally.

Pair new members with a “mentor” of similar age or geographical area to help with questions.

Keep in contact with all members throughout the year – assign a committee to see that this is done. Call them if they are sick. Call them if they are not sick. Just be sure to call them! Email if you don’t want to call.

Treat everyone with the special treatment you would give a new member.

Welcome You are now a member of the Wally Byam Caravan Club International (WBCCI). As such you are now entitled to participate in all WBCCI activities. This includes all unit activities across the Canada and the United States, as well as all national, region, and unit caravans. You can attend the International Rally, as well as region rallies, special events rallies, and national rallies. You are also welcome to partake of courtesy parking. There is also the wealth of RV lifestyle know-how that you can tap into through the many new friends you will meet.

We are glad that you have chosen to be a part of our Airstream Family. Our members come from very diverse backgrounds, but are equal in their love of traveling. We have compiled information about WBCCI, which we hope will help you understand what everyone is talking about so you can fit right in with seasoned members.

Who was Wally Byam? Born July 4, 1896, died July 22, 1962. He was one of the pioneer manufacturers of the travel trailer. He founded the company, Airstream, Inc. He was a leader in developing both the romance and enthusiasm associated with the automobile and recreational vehicle culture. Wally traveled extensively, and his adventures were the inspiration for the formation of the Wally Byam Caravan Club International (WBCCI). The Club was founded in Kentville, Nova Scotia, Canada, in 1955, and has grown to about 6,000 member families.

The Wally Byam Creed

In the heart of these words is an entire life’s dream. To those of you who find in the promise of these words your promise, I bequeath this creed...my dream belongs to you. - Wally Byam

To place the great wide world at your doorstep for you who yearn to travel with all the comforts of home.

To provide a more satisfying, meaningful way to travel that offers complete travel independence, wherever and whenever you choose to go or stay.

To keep alive and make real an enduring promise of high adventure and faraway lands…of rediscovering old places and new interests.

To open a whole new world of experiences…new dimension in enjoyment where travel adventure and good fellowship are your constant companions.

To encourage clubs and rallies that provide an endless source of friendships, travel fun, and personal expressions.

To lead caravans wherever the four winds blow…over twinkling boulevards, across trackless deserts…to the traveled and untraveled corners of the earth.

To play some part in promoting international goodwill and understanding among the peoples of the world through person-to-person contact.

To strive endlessly to stir the venturesome spirit that moves you to follow a rainbow to its end and thus make your travel dreams come true.

Code of Ethics

To be ever mindful of our responsibility to Wally Byam Caravan Club International, Inc., and through conduct, indicate to the public that membership in this organization is an assurance of our courtesy on the road and good will to all peoples and countries.

To be ever mindful of what we say or print with respect to its effect on others so as to avoid disharmony and ill feelings among club members and to dedicate ourselves to the work of cementing together the members of WBCCI in bonds of good fellowship and mutual understanding.

To conduct ourselves in a manner to inspire others engaged in recreational vehicle travel to a full appreciation of the intent and meaning of this code.

To maintain our camps in an orderly manner and leave them in the same way.

Club Web Site http://wbcci.org/ This is the Club web site, where you can find information about the international organization as well as links to each of the 12 regions and each of the many units.

International This term refers to the overall organization of WBCCI which has members in the United States and Canada. It also refers to the rally held once a year for all members of WBCCI. The International Rally is one week in length and always begins on June 27, and ends on Wally Byam’s birthday, July 4. This is a great way to meet WBCCI members from all parts of the United States and Canada.

IBT The International Board of Trustees (IBT) is composed of seven international officers and twelve regional presidents. They meet three times each year, January and just before and just after the International Rally

Blue Book The Blue Book contains the Constitution and Bylaws that govern our organization. It generally is revised after each IBT Meeting. Unit officers have copies of The Blue Book and it can be found at WBCCI.org under club information.

Blue BeretThe Blue Beret is the Club magazine. It is published nine times each year. It is not published in January, July, or December. In January, the members receive the directory for the new year instead of The Blue Beret. The Blue Beret contains information of all events sponsored by WBCCI as well as helpful hints for getting the maximum pleasure from your Airstream. Electronic copies of The Blue Beret are available by email. The website is www.BlueBeretOnline.com.

Name Badges Each person attending a club activity should wear his/her name badge during the time of the event. This will help us to get to know each other. The ribbons displayed below the name badge are used to promote an event such as the International Rally or a Region Rally.

Badge Colors

Members clear, white inserts

Present and Past Unit Presidents white, light blue inserts

Present and Past Region Presidents red and silver, white inserts

Region Vice Presidents red with white inserts

International Presidents and Past Presidents royal blue and gold, gold inserts

Other Present and Past International Officers royal blue with white inserts

National Caravan Leaders clear, light green inserts

International Standing Committee Chairmen coral, white inserts

Member Numbers and Stars As a member of the Wally Byam Caravan Club you have received a membership number. New members will receive their first set of red numbers from headquarters free of charge. This membership number should be displayed on the front and back of your trailer/motor home. The number will identify you as a member of WBCCI. Next to the number you will notice red stars. These stars indicate the number of years that a person has been a member. Members receive one star for each five years of membership. Also, some of the WBCCI emblems on the trailer have a gold ring around them. This ring indicates life membership in WBCCI. International Officers, Region Presidents and Caravan Leaders have the option of being assigned numbers from the categories below:

Past and Present International Presidents 100-199

Past and Present Region Presidents 200-299

Other Past and Present International Officers 300-600

Past and Present Standing Committee Chairmen 700-799

National Caravan Leaders 800-899

Open for future categories 900-999

Members 1001 and higher

Flag Flying Flying the national flag of your country is encouraged by the International Organization. Members are also, encouraged to fly their WBCCI flag, their provincial/state flag and their office flag, if they have them. Correct flag etiquette can be found in the Bylaws in The Blue Book.

CB Radio During caravans the CB Radio is used as a means of communication. Set your CB to Channel 14 as it is understood to be the RVer’s channel. When out on the road, Channel 14 is used to keep in touch with others in your Airstream caravan, or to say, “Hello,” to passing Airstreams

Support Accessories for RVs This is meant to be a general list of suggestions as these items will vary from owner to owner. However, whether you are simply preparing to attend a unit rally, traveling to a region or international rally, or joining a caravan, the following items are things that you should have either in your tow vehicle, trailer or motor home to be prepared for camping and traveling.

(2) 5/8” free flowing Y’s with caps

Fire extinguisher in RV and tow(ed) vehicle

50’ extension cord, 10-12 gauge

Fuses for battery system and pump

30 amp extension cord 2 gallon waste water bucket

Flag(s) and flag holder

Wheel chocks

Highway safety hazard triangles

Sewer hose, 10’ minimum

25’ 5/8” drain hose

Leveling blocks/boards

Small shovel

Common Courtesies for Airstreamers These are courtesies that help make rallies more pleasant for all to attend:

Remove the ball mount after parking so there is less danger for others

Remove or retract your mirrors once you have unhitched

No clothes lines at your campsite

Keep your campsite neatWhen a person is hitching or unhitching, do not distract them. This will allow them to focus on what they are doing until they are finished.

In the past it has been a sign of courtesy to blink your lights at oncoming Airstreams as a way to say, “Hi.”

Again, Welcome to our Club! We are glad you decided to join WBCCI, and we look forward to traveling with you. The most important thing you can do is to become involved in the club activities. You can take part in any WBCCI activity that is planned all across Canada and the United States Don’t be shy. You will always be welcome. “We will see you down the road.” (Airstream Farewell)

THE AIRSTREAM OWNERS ASSOCIATION

WHY JOIN WBCCI? There are many reasons:

Live life more fully with your Airstream and over 6000 others whose owners are "Living the Airstream Dream."

Take advantage of weekend or week-long rallies, economical caravans through every corner of North America, and Airstream-only campgrounds in several states. WBCCI members are welcome to attend any unit’s rally or caravan across the United States and Canada.

Wherever you go, you are welcomed by friends and surrounded by members who know the ins-and-outs of Airstreams and life on the road and are always willing to share their knowledge and camaraderie.

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN MY REGION ?

Click on your Region (Area) to view units and upcoming events in your area

Unit Dues: $1-$49, with each of the 120 WBCCI Units in North America setting their own dues. See unit sections for more information about units in your geographical area. There are no fixed boundaries for unit membership, but it is highly recommended that new members join a unit to maximize the benefits of club membership, i.e. new friends, new adventures and more fun with your Airstream.

TO JOIN A UNIT:Click on the Regions map (above) according to your geographical area. You will see a listing of units, including contact information for the Membership Chairperson and yearly dues of the units located in your area. You can join on-line or contact the unit's Membership Chairpersonor WBCCI Membership Director, Julie Rethman, at 937-596-5211 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Either will be happy to assist you.

or

Member At Large Dues: $20 per year

Note: WBCCI membership dues are based on a calendar year. However, those who join between July 1st and December 31st are members for the remainder of the current year and the following calendar year.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP ?

An open invitation to join all WBCCI unit, region and national rallies and caravans, the heart of WBCCI.

Courtesy Parking: Free overnight parking at homes of members who offer this service.

Discounted Campsites

Two to eight week Unit and International Caravans at 50% less than commercial caravans

For questions or comments on the WBCCI.ORG website, please contact the Electronics Communications Committee at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.